DRM CUP ALL-INDIA INVITATION FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT KICKS OFF IN STYLE The DRM Cup All-India Invitation Football Tournament commenced with great fanfare today at the Waltair Football Stadium in Visakhapatnam. Organized by the East Coast Railway Sports Association (ECoRSA) of Waltair Division, this prestigious tournament will run from December 14 to 21, 2025 at the Waltair Railway Stadium. The tournament was officially inaugurated by Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and ECoRSA President, Shri Lalit Bohra, in the esteemed presence of several dignitaries, including Smt. Jyotsna Bohra, President of ECoR Women''s Welfare Organization, ADRM (Infrastructure) Shri E. Santharam, ADRM (Operations) Shri K. Rama Rao, Sports Officer & Senior Divisional Finance Manager Shri M. Haranath, and Shri Kotagiri Sreedhar, President of the Andhra Pradesh Football Association, among others. In his inaugural address, Shri Bohra expressed his excitement about hosting such a grand football event and announced plans to make it a regular feature, further enhancing the sporting culture in Waltair Division. He also pointed out the perfect timing of the tournament, coinciding with a world-renowned footballer''s ongoing tour of India, which is aimed at promoting the sport. He credited the tireless efforts of ECoRSA and other departments for the successful organization of this event, highlighting their coordination and commitment to providing top-notch facilities and resources, building on the recent success of the Weightlifting Championship. Shri Haranath, the Sports Officer, delivered a warm welcome address, setting the tone for the tournament. Shri Kotagiri Sreedhar praised the efforts of Waltair Division and assured his full support for future collaborations aimed at hosting more events at the stadium, especially to nurture football talent from rural areas. The tournament will feature 14 teams from various states and organizations, with matches scheduled both day and night under floodlights. The inaugural match saw Telangana face off against Bandamunda, setting the stage for an exciting week of football action. The DRM Cup promises to be a thrilling sporting event, with a focus on fostering talent and promoting the spirit of competition across the region.

WELFARE AND REHABILITATION OF EX-SERVICEMEN SCHEMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS FOR 2024-25 As per the latest data for 2024-25, there are 28,31,109 ex-servicemen (ESM) in India. The Directorate General Resettlement (DGR) plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation and resettlement of these veterans through various schemes aimed at ensuring their livelihood, skill development, and well-being. Below are the key schemes and initiatives implemented by DGR: Key DGR Schemes for Ex-Servicemen: DGR Sponsored Security Agency Scheme: This scheme supports ex-servicemen-run Private Security Agencies and State ESM Corporations, providing security services to Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs), corporate houses, and private sector undertakings. DGR Technical Service Scheme: Ex-servicemen are provided for ‘Technical Services’ to government establishments through empanelled State ESM Corporations. ESM Coal Loading and Transportation Scheme (Officers Only): An MoU between Coal India Ltd. (CIL) and DGR governs this scheme. However, it is currently subjudice following CIL’s unilateral withdrawal from the MoU of 2013. Coal Tipper Attachment Scheme for ESM (JCOs/OR): Linked to the ESM Coal Loading and Transportation Scheme, this scheme allows ex-servicemen to engage in coal transportation activities. Tipper Attachment Scheme for Widows and Disabled Soldiers: Eligible widows (up to 65 years) and disabled soldiers (50% disability or more) can enroll in this scheme. LPG/Retail Outlet Distributorship Scheme: This scheme allows ex-servicemen, war widows, and dependents of military personnel who died in service to apply for LPG and retail outlet distributorships under the 8% reservation quota. Management of COCO Retail Outlets: Ex-servicemen (Officers and JCOs) who have not availed of other DGR benefits can manage Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) retail outlets, based on requisitions from oil companies. Management of CNG Stations in NCR/Pune: Ex-servicemen can manage CNG stations in the NCR (New Delhi) and Pune, subject to requisitions from Indraprastha Gas Ltd. (IGL) and Maharashtra Natural Gas Ltd. (MNGL). Mother Dairy Milk Booths and Safal Shops: ESM can operate milk booths or fruit and vegetable shops (Safal) until the age of 60, earning a livelihood or learning entrepreneurship. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojna (PMBJP) Scheme: Launched in June 2023, this initiative helps ex-servicemen run pharmacies that provide affordable generic medicines across the country. Resettlement Training and Skill Development Courses: These courses are designed to enhance the skills of retiring or retired military personnel, ensuring a smooth transition to civilian employment. Officers: 60% of the course fee is covered by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and DGR, with the remaining 40% paid by the individual officer. JCOs/OR: 100% of the course fee is covered by MoD/DGR. Widows: Widows of both officers and JCOs/OR are also eligible for these courses. Impact of DGR Schemes: In the fiscal year 2024-25, a total of 67,316 ex-servicemen benefited from DGR’s employment and self-employment schemes. Additionally, 11,589 retiring and retired officers, JCOs, and ORs received training and skill development through DGR’s programs. Healthcare for Ex-Servicemen: The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) continues to provide quality healthcare to ex-servicemen and their dependents. ECHS operates 427 polyclinics across India and 6 in Nepal. The scheme was expanded in 2024-25, with the government approving the establishment of 21 new polyclinics, including 5 in districts without any existing polyclinic facilities. These efforts aim to ensure that ex-servicemen and their families receive not only financial and employment support but also essential healthcare services, contributing to their overall well-being and reintegration into civilian life. This information was shared by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth in a written reply to Shri Pradip Kumar Varma in the Rajya Sabha.

WALTAIR DIVISION ACHIEVES HISTORIC MILESTONE IN FREIGHT OPERATIONS Waltair Division of East Coast Railway has set a new operational record by handling over 100 million tonnes (MT) of freight traffic in the current financial year, surpassing its earlier best performance achieved in FY 2023–24. Divisional Railway Manager Shri Lalit Bohra lauded the collective efforts of the Operations, Commercial, Mechanical, Electrical, Civil Engineering, and allied departments for this outstanding achievement. He highlighted that Team Waltair reached this landmark in just 256 days, as of 12 December 2025, significantly improving upon the previous record of 288 days in FY 2023–24. This accomplishment reflects the division’s strengthened freight-handling capacity and consistent operational efficiency. During the period, the division handled a total freight volume of 100.38 MT, which included 56.60 MT of loading—largely comprising iron ore, coal, minerals, steel, and other essential commodities—and 43.78 MT of unloading, ensuring smooth distribution and efficient end-to-end freight movement. The achievement underscores the division’s robust operational framework, enhanced rake movement, effective coordination with industrial stakeholders, and sustained focus on reducing turnaround times. Catering to major industrial hubs, ports, and power plants, Waltair Division continues to play a crucial role as a key freight corridor supporting regional and national supply chains.